I'm a newbie sailor who just finished the ASA 101, but I would like to make my first voyage. I own a 1985 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 which, I have heard, would be fine for sailing far even across oceans. My top priority is safety, so if it is very dangerous, I can wait until I get more experience. My boat is docked in Marina del Rey. I want some adventure, so should I sail to the island, or should I just sail to an easier place, maybe King Harbor. My boat has a Garmin, VHF with a 2' antenna (not sure about the range), and the other safety stuff. I've heard it's about an 8-hour sail there and about the same back.
Am I ready? What's the best season to go? Will a storm come out of nowhere? Any tips?
Assuming it is in decent shape that's a very safe and sound boat.
"Am I ready?" That's up to you. How many hours do you have sailing the boat? Do you feel comfortable on it? If you are prepared and pay attention I think it is less dangerous than driving to the marina.
What's a 2' antenna? Is that a handheld? For going to Catalina I would recommend you have a fixed mount VHF with DSC and make sure you have your MMSI programmed to it and the GPS hooked up to it (if not integral to the VHF).
FWIW I sail from King Harbor and have cell coverage the full way to the Isthmus at Catalina (T-Mobile). But I think you still want the fixed mount VHF.... EPIRB, PLB or SPOT would be gravy but I think the odds of needing it don't result in it being on the "must have" list.
By Garman I assume you mean a GPS? That's good. I assume you have a compass too.
If you refer to a couple of the widely available weather resources for planning you probably won't need to reef but as said above being able to reef at sea is probably something you should know how to do regardless of where you go.
MDR to King Harbor is only about 8 or 9 miles each way so can be done round trip in a day sail. If you want to spend the night you can hook up to a mooring. Might be a good first overnighter. Not much "adventure" there in my opinion but there are several good restaurants and you can walk to the Hermosa pier area for some nightlife if that's your thing. You would need a dingy or kayak to get to shore but there are very few places to land. You can drive there from MDR in 20 minutes.
The Isthmus / Two Harbors would be your best bet at Catalina. About 30 miles from MDR so should be reachable in 6-7 hours or so. I would motor sail if necessary to keep the speed up to 4.5 - 5 KTS. The friendly harbor folks (VHF 9) could help you pick up a string line "mooring" and you could almost walk to the beach from there. Shore boat service is available. Not a lot of facilities there but everything you really need. A restaurant, bar, small store, good hiking and snorkeling.
You want to avoid fog so don't forget to check the weather reports for that.
When in doubt go behind the tankers and container ships.
If you internet search first time sailing to Isthnus Catalina there is lots of information, tips advice.
Have fun.
